Blank ammunition and method of use therefore

ABSTRACT

The current invention is a gaming apparatus and method wherein players ride on a motorized vehicle around a course through a variety of gates and a variety of barrels while shooting at targets with a firearm loaded with specialized blank ammunition. The blank ammunition is capable of short range use to damage or destroy the targets.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a game, and more particularly to a game using afirearm with specialized ammunition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A gaming apparatus and method is provided that includes the use andapplication of a combination of a firearm with specialized ammunition,gates, targets, a motorized vehicle and a game track or course. Inpractice of the game, a rider maneuvers through the course dischargingthe firearm at targets. Ammunition is provided that is capable of shortrange use to damage or to destroy the reactive targets while offeringreasonable safety to the rider and spectators. The reactive targets mayinclude electronics that act as gating and storing indicators. Thereactive targets and the gates can also act as communication points forrelay of gating and scoring information to a wireless network device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of thepresent invention, reference is now made to the detailed description ofthe invention along with the accompanying figures in which correspondingnumerals in the different figures refer to corresponding parts and inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a game track and targets;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a player, motorized vehicle and target;

FIG. 3 is a cut away view of a preferred embodiment of the ammunitionused to conduct the game;

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of thecommunication between network components of the invention; and

FIG. 5 is flow diagram of steps executed by a network controller.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show in detail one embodiment of the game in accordancewith the present invention. The game comprises course 17, gates 13,targets 14, barrels 12, vehicle 15 and firearm 21. The firearm includesa novel type of blank ammunition. In an additional embodiment, the gamecomprises course 17, gates 13, targets 14, vehicle 15 and firearm 21. Inan additional embodiment, the game comprises course 17, barrel 12,targets 13, vehicle 15 and firearm 21.

In the preferred embodiment, course 17 includes a start/finish gate 11,path 16, multiple gates 13, multiple targets 14 and multiple barrels 12.However in other embodiments, the course can include either astart/finish gate, gates and targets or the course can include either astart/finish gate, gates and barrels. In the preferred embodiment course17 is generally planar. The dimensions of course 17 should beapproximately 280 feet by approximately 100 feet. The area of the coursecan be larger or smaller and the topography of the course may vary.

The arrangement of gates 13, targets 14 and barrels 12 determine path 16of course 17. The rider travels along path 16 in the direction of arrows10 through all of gates 13 and around all of barrels 12. The courseshown in FIG. 1 is just one arrangement of the gates, targets andbarrels. In FIG. 1, all of gates 13 are shown as a triangle, all oftargets 14 are shown as a circle and all of barrels 12 are shown assquares. Gates 13, targets 14 and barrels 12 can be arranged in amultitude of different patterns in order to provide different challengesto the riders including testing their maneuvering and shootingabilities. For example, group 40 of gates 13 requires the rider toperform a 360 degree turn around gates 13. While arrangement 41 of gates13, requires the rider to perform an “s-like” pattern. The distancebetween gates 13 and targets 14 varies throughout the entire course.

In the preferred embodiment, gates 13 are standard rubber constructioncones that are approximately 18 inches to 24 inches high. A standardconstruction cone is a hollow cylindrical stanchion having a flat baseand is adapted to stand upright on flat and inclined surfaces. In thepreferred embodiment, the gates are fluorescent or “day glow” in color.Gates 13 can be composed of a variety of materials including wood,steel, aluminum, plastic, rubber. In an alternate embodiment, the conesare to be lighted from the inside to aid in visibility.

In the preferred embodiment, targets 14 comprise reactive target 22,stanchion 23 and target stand 24. In this embodiment, reactive target 22and target stand 24 are fluorescent or “day glow”. Reactive target 22and target stand 24 can be the same color but do not have to be. In thepreferred embodiment, reactive target 22 is a helium balloon that has adiameter between approximately 9 inches to approximately 12 inches wheninflated. In an additional embodiment, clay targets can also be employedsuspended by appropriate stanchions. However, objects with a diameter ofat least 5 inches that can be punctured, broken or moved by ammunition26 also serve as useful targets. However, in other embodiments, whenreactive target 22 is a helium balloon, reactive target furthercomprises a standard automobile tire valve. In this embodiment, thereactive target is inflated through the tire valve and removablyattached to the reactive target with a standard O-ring. In the preferredembodiment, stanchion 23 is an indentation on target stand 24 thatallows reactive target 22 to be removably affixed to target stand 24. Inthe preferred embodiment, target stand 24 is a standard rubberconstruction cone that is approximately 3 feet high. Target stand 24 canbe composed of a variety of materials however, plastic or rubber ispreferred for safety considerations.

In the preferred embodiment, targets 14 are identical. However, inalternate embodiments, targets 14 may vary within course 17. Such as thetargets may be different colors, may be different heights or maycontained different reactive targets scored differently.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of network components and acontroller that are present in any embodiment of the novel game thatincludes an automated scoring system. In this embodiment, electricalmotion sensing devices 403 are incorporated in first stanchion 401,second stanchion 402 and first target stand 409 for registering movementof target 408 or displacement of first stanchion 401, second stanchion402 or first target 409. In this embodiment, first stanchion 401contains optical receiver 404 and second stanchion 402 contains opticaltransmitter 406. The optical transmitter and receiver are diametricallyopposed on the course so that in use when a beam of light from thetransmitter to the receiver is broken, passage of the gate is registeredin the memory of the controller. Optical receivers and opticaltransmitters known in the art are used to register the passage of theplayer through the stanchions while playing the game. In yet anotherembodiment, the stanchion is a rectangular or square box that isapproximately 1 inch tall and contains a motion sensing device. In thisembodiment, the rider must travel directly over the gate. Firststanchion 401 and first target 409 further contains processor 405.Processor 405 contains a programmer, memory and transceiver as known inthe art to store information gathered by first stanchion 401, secondstanchion 402 or first target 409 for transmission of data to controller410. In one preferred embodiment, this information can be transmitted toa central controller by a wireless data transmission device, as known inthe art. In the preferred embodiment, control 410 is a personal computeris used for communication of the electrical data from the wireless datatransmission device.

The electrical data transmitted is used to calculate the time requiredto complete the course, score and any necessary penalties. Standardwireless equipment and associated hardware and software known by thoseof ordinary skill in the art is used.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of processes 500, which is performed on theelectrical data transmitted to controller 410 in the preferredembodiment. The process begins with step 501 when electrical datatransmitted to controller 410 signals that the rider has entered thecourse. Once the program starts, it performs step 502 by logging thetime when the rider started the course, then step 503 by registeringeach gate that the rider passes through. Step 504 processes any movementby the gates/stanchions or targets. Then, step 505 adds additional timeto the elapsed time as a result of events such as displacement of thegates. Next, step 506 registers the number of targets that the rider hitwith the ammunition. Step 507 logs the time that the rider completed thecourse. Then process completes step 508 by analyzing the length of timeit took the rider to complete the course. Next step 509 analyzes thepoint total of the rider receives based on his placement in the game.Finally step 510 logs the results and calculates the riders elapsedtime, penalty points, and placement in the game.

In the preferred embodiment, holster 17 is on rider 20. Holster 17 holdsfirearm 21 in a safe manner when it is not in use. Holster 17 can becomposed of a variety of materials including leather, plastic or nylon.In another embodiment, holster 17 is on vehicle 15. In alternateembodiments more than one holster is on rider 20 or vehicle 15.

Vehicle 15 can be any motorized vehicle. In the preferred embodimentvehicle 15 is an all terrain vehicle (ATV). However, vehicle 15 can alsobe a motorcycle, golf cart or snow mobile without departing from thespirit of the invention. In an alternate embodiment, the vehicleaccommodates more than one person. In this alternate embodiment, oneperson is designated “driver” while the other(s) are designated“shooters”.

Firearm 21 is an object that is capable of firing ammunition 26. In thepreferred embodiment, firearm 21 is a revolver pistol such as a 44Magnum or 45 Long Colt Revolver. In yet additional embodiments, firearm21 may be replaced by other devices capable of firing a projectile suchas a sling shot, spear gun, air gun or cross bow. In alternateembodiments, more than one firearm is utilized.

FIG. 3 is a cut away view of ammunition 26. Ammunition 26 is blankammunition. In the preferred embodiment, ammunition 26 has a limitedrange. For example, ammunition 26 must break reactive target 22 atapproximately 10 feet but not be capable of breaking reactive target 22past approximately 18 feet. Ammunition 26 comprises cartridge 31, fibersfiller 32, propellant 33 and primer 34. In the preferred embodimentcartridge 31 is composed of plastic. In another embodiment, thecartridge is composed of brass, steel or aluminum. In the preferredembodiment, fibers filler 32 is crushed walnut hull. However fibersfiller 32 can be other media such as grits, crushed corn or wood fibers.In the preferred embodiment, propellant 33 is smokeless gun powder. Inanother embodiment, the propellant can be black powder. In the preferredembodiment, primer 34 is a chemical primer, but other primers can beused without departing from the spirit of the invention. In thepreferred embodiment, fibers filler 32, propellant 33 and primer 34 aremaintained in cartridge 31 by star. crimping end 35 of cartridge 31. Inother embodiment, other crimping or sealing means can be used to keepfibers filler 32, propellant 33 and primer 34 within cartridge 31.Propellant 33 and primer 34 are introduced in the cartridge to projectthe fibers filler only about 10 feet. In another embodiment the fibersfiller and propellant are replaced by a concussion load capable ofbreaking the target by a shock wave or sound wave.

Engaged in the novel game, rider 20 enters course 17 on vehicle 15through start/finish gate 11. As soon as rider 20 travels through thestart/finish gate, a timing device will be activated by a motion sensoror optical signal. Rider 20 continues around course 17 by travelingthrough gates 13 and/or around barrels 12 in order to shoot at eachtarget 14 with firearm 21 by employing ammunition 26. In embodimentswhere no motion sensor or optical signal is present, a manual timer isused and activated by a game observer.

Rider 20 travels through each gate 13. In the preferred embodiment,rider 20 only has to travel through gates 13. However, in otherembodiments, rider 20 might have to perform different tasks such asdriving vehicle 15 a full 360 degrees around a gate.

When rider 20 approaches target 14, rider 20 aims firearm 21 towardsreactive target 22 on target 14. In the preferred embodiment, target 14should be approximately 18 feet from each gate 13. However, distancesbetween approximately 5 feet and approximately 20 feet will work withequal success.

After rider 21 has driven through all gates 13, shot or attempted toshoot at targets 14 and travels back through start/finish gate 11.Sensors in the start/finish gates mark the time required to complete thecourse. In embodiments without electronic sensors, a manual observerlogs the completion time.

In a preferred embodiment, a scoring method is provided to rank players.In this embodiment, numerous riders compete in a series by playing oneor more games on a course. Each game can be won or lost. The series canbe won or lost as well. The winner of the series is the rider that gainsthe most points. A rider's placement is determined by adding the time tocomplete the course with any applicable penalties, the shortest timewins. In the preferred embodiment, the applicable penalties are asfollows:

-   -   a. Missed target=add 5 seconds;    -   b. Knocked over gate=add 5 seconds;    -   c. Failure to follow the course=add 10 seconds;    -   d. Dropped firearm=add 5 seconds;    -   e. Failure to holster first firearm=add 20 seconds;    -   f. No show at course=add 99.9 seconds;    -   g. Dismounting during course=add 99.9 seconds; and    -   h. Safety infraction results in a disqualification from the        series.

A safety infraction includes discharging the firearm at a spectator.First place is awarded to the rider with the shortest overall time.While, second place is awarded to the rider with the second shortesttime, etc.

A series of games is provided in which scores from different games foreach individual rider are combined to arrive at a winner for eachseries. A rider will receive one point for each individual game that therider completes. If more than 5 riders enter into a specific game, thepoints will be awarded as follows:

-   -   i. 1^(st) place=5 points;    -   ii. 2^(nd) place=4 points;    -   iii. 3^(rd) place=3 points;    -   iv. 4^(th) place=2 points; and    -   v. 5^(th) place=1 point.

If 4 riders enter into a specific game, the points will be awarded asfollows:

-   -   vi. 1^(st) place=3 points;    -   vii. 2^(nd) place=2 points; and    -   viii. 3^(rd) place=1 points.

If less than four riders enter the game, no additional points will beawarded.

The novel game provides a method for ranking contestants. Riders areclassified into various contestant levels. The contestant levels allowriders of similar riding and shooting ability to compete against eachother. All entry level riders are considered at Level 1. A rider movesup to Level 2 after he earns two first place wins at that level. A riderreaches Level 3 status when he earns three first place wins at thatlevel. Level 4 status is achieved when the rider earns four first placewins at that level. A rider attains Level 5 status when he has fivefirst place wins at that level. Finally, a rider achieves Level 6 statuswhen he has at least six first place wins at that level. Of course otherlevels are possible.

While this invention has been described in reference to illustrativeembodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in alimiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of theillustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention,will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to thedescription. It is therefore intended that the appended claims encompassany such modifications or embodiments.

1. A gaming apparatus for a rider of a motorized vehicle comprising: themotorized vehicle set on a tortuous path; wherein the tortuous pathincludes a number of gates adjacent the tortuous path; wherein themotorized vehicle is moved around the tortuous path, through the numberof gates and towards the number of first targets; and wherein blankammunition is discharged from a firearm by the rider towards the numberof first targets while the motorized vehicle is moving on the tortuouspath.
 2. The gaming apparatus of claim 1 wherein the motorized vehicleis chosen from the group comprising: atv, motorcycle, golf cart and asnow mobile.
 3. The gaming apparatus of claim 1 wherein the ammunitionfurther comprises a cartridge, a fibers filler, a propellant and aprimer.
 4. The gaming apparatus of claim 18 wherein the fibers filler iscomprised of one of the following: crushed walnut hull, grits, crushedcorn and wood fibers.
 5. The gaming apparatus of claim 1 wherein thegate further comprises: a receiver gate including an optical receivermounted in the gate and a gate motion sensor mounted in the receivergate; a transmitter gate including an optical transmitter incommunication with the optical receiver and a gate motion sensor mountedin the transmitter gate; a gate processor a gate data transmitter, agate memory and a motion sensor; wherein the receiver gate and thetransmitter gate are diametrically opposed allowing an optical signal tobe transmitted between the receiver gate and the transmitter gate; andwherein the target further comprises: a target motion sensor mounted inthe target; and a target processor including a target data transmitterand a target memory.
 6. The gaming apparatus of claim 5 wherein the gateis a start gate at the beginning of the tortuous path.
 7. The gamingapparatus of claim 6 wherein the gate is a pass gate along the tortuouspath.
 8. The gaming apparatus of claim 7 wherein the gate is an end gateat the end of the tortuous path.
 9. The gaming apparatus of claim 8wherein the gate processor and the target processor are in communicationwith a game controller.
 10. The gaming apparatus of claim 9 wherein thetarget processor and the gate processor communicate with the gamecontroller via a wireless network.
 11. The gaming apparatus of claim 10wherein the start gate transmits a start signal to the game controllerwhen the optical signal is perturbed.
 12. The gaming apparatus of claim11 wherein the pass gate transmits a pass signal to the game controllerwhen the optical signal is perturbed.
 13. The gaming apparatus of claim12 wherein the end gate transmits an end signal to the game controllerwhen the optical signal is perturbed.
 14. The gaming apparatus of claim13 wherein the gate transmits a motion signal when the motion sensor isengaged.
 15. The gaming apparatus of claim 14 wherein the targettransmits a hit signal when the motion sensor is engaged.
 16. A methodof playing a game comprising the steps of: providing a course comprisinga tortuous path, gates adjacent the tortuous path, and targets adjacentthe tortuous path; entering the tortuous path by traveling through astart gate on a motorized vehicle; traveling along the tortuous path onthe motorized through the gates while shooting at the targets from themotorized vehicle by discharging blank ammunition from a firearm at thedisposal of the rider; and leaving the tortuous path by travelingthrough a finish gate.
 17. The method of claim 16 further wherein theblank ammunition further comprises a cartridge, a fibers filler, apropellant and a primer.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the fibersfiller is chosen from the group comprising: crushed walnut hull, grits,crushed corn, and wood fibers.
 19. A game for one or more playerscomprising a first weapon having blank ammunition, a second weaponhaving blank ammunition, a first holster, a motorized vehicle, atortuous path, a variety of gates, a variety of targets, a variety ofbarrels, comprising the steps of: removing a first weapon from a firstholster; entering a tortuous path through a start gate on a motorizedvehicle; traveling along the tortuous path on the motorized through avariety of gates; simultaneously shooting at a variety of targets whiletraveling on the motorized vehicle on the tortuous path by deployingblank ammunition from the first weapon; replacing the first weapon inthe first holster; removing a second weapon from a second holster;traveling on the tortuous path on the motorized through a variety ofgates while simultaneously shooting at a variety of targets whiletraveling on the motorized vehicle on the tortuous path by deployingblank ammunition from the second weapon; leaving the tortuous path bytraveling through a finish gate; determining an elapsed time period totravel the tortuous path; adding about 5 seconds to the elapsed time forevery target that the player did not shoot and break; adding about 5seconds to the elapsed time if the player knocks over a gate; addingabout 10 seconds to the elapsed time if the player does not follow thetortuous path before traveling through the finish gate; adding about 5seconds to the elapsed time if the player drops the first weapon; addingabout 5 seconds to the elapsed time if the player drops the secondweapon; adding about 20 seconds to the elapsed time if the player failsto replace the first weapon in the first holder before removing thesecond weapon; and adding about 99.9 seconds to the elapsed time if theplayer leaves the motorized vehicle. wherein the player with theshortest elapsed time wins the game.
 20. The method of claim 19 whereinthe game further comprises the steps of: classifying a player in acontestant level; classifying a player in contest level one; classifyinga player in contestant level two after winning first place in two gamesat level two; classifying a player in contestant level three afterwinning first place in three games at level three; classifying a playerin contestant level four after winning first place in four games atlevel four; classifying a player in contestant level five after winningfirst place in five games at level five; and classifying a player incontestant level six after winning first place in six or more games atlevel six.